Does anybody know how to set up internet limits / access control on the 2wire i38HG - i3812V gateway router?

On my old Belkin router, I could limit my kid's IP addresses from accessing the internet between 10pm and 6am. This included all devices: PC and iTouch. And with the new 2wire system I can't find this setting in advance configuration.

I found the manual for the 2Wire i38HG - i3812V on the ATT website. http://www.att.com/support_media/images/pdf/uverse/iNIDv2_UG.pdfand on page 66 it shows exactly what I need, but my gateway configuration does not have this option. The screen shot in the manual shows the Uverse and ATT logo, but nobody at ATT tech service knows about this setup or manual.

Is there different firmware out there to activate this menu?

The ATT tech service is not helpful. They can get me to totally block an IP address, but I just want to set a time limit.The people at 2Wire said to talk to the people at ATT.

I am stumped! Should I do a router behind a router? Has anyone done this?

I know I am not the only parent out there that wants this. You would think it would be standard on this new system.

Yes, I know that there are different software programs for PC's that will limit internet usage, but there is nothing for iTouch, iPads, or other tablets. And yes, I know I can take the items away at night.

I was recently told by an AT&T service tech that AT&T doesn't support configurations involving third party routers, which is what I had when he arrived for a service call. I had set up a linksys router/WAP to provide additional wireless device capacity in my home. The tech did, though, indicate that a simple router or hub was OK, so I may still be able to implement your suggestion if I turn off the WAP features of the linksys.

Like the original poster, I'm frustrated that AT&T doesn't provide native parental control support at the gateway. End user-based solutions are a pain to manage, and in some cases easy to circumvent, even in a home network!

I have installed a Cisco router behind 2wire router which allow me to give access based on time of day. But my smart 16 year old son found a way around it. All he had to do was to reset the 2wire router passwd ( default passwd is edged on the box) and get himself access to 2wire.

My response was to turn off the wifi on 2wire router. He figured it out as well. I changed the IP address on 2wire router but he found the new IP address by connecting to the router by wire and did a ipconfig on his laptop.

I called Uverse support and asked them to send me a modem only box. I told them I do not want a router but they said they do not have such a box.

I have ran out of solutions. I am left with taking the 2Wire router every night before I go to bed or changing the provider. I do not like any of these solutions.

Well, parental controls on routers and other Internet devices can always be bypassed or worked-around if someone has physical access to the hardware. To fully enforce the parental controls, you will have to place the 2Wire and your Cisco router in a physically locked closet, access area, or cabinet/enclosure.

I do not feel very comfortable giving out parental advice, but given that your son has willfully circimvented the access controls on three separate occasions, it is perhaps time to enforce the provisions via methods that are directed at your son and not at the routers.

If he is tech-savvy enough to get around the provisions through alternate methods, then the only possible solution is what I outlined above. You need to enforce physical security of the 2Wire and the Cisco router.

Basically what you can do is one of a few things:

1. If the 2Wire router and Cisco router are both in a room that your son doesn't need access to, then simply have a locksmith come put a good lock on the door to that room. You could also do the same thing if the routers are in a closet. Once they're physically secure, change passwords on both routers to something that only you know, and disable wireless on the 2Wire. Now all Internet traffic has to flow through the Cisco, which is subject to your parental controls.

2. If the routers aren't in a location like this, you may want to call AT&T and/or an IT company to come relocate the routers. They will charge you, of course. Relocate them to a closet or room where your son doesn't need to go, then have a locksmith install a lock on the door as in #1 above.

3. It would take some home craftsmanship, but you could build a security box out of wood. Some 2x4"s and 3/4" plywood could make a very sturdy box. Put a door on it with hinges, and drill a hole in it for wires. Put the 2Wire and Cisco routers inside, and then close the door and lock it. The only wires coming in are the VDSL wire and the two power adapters, the only wire going out is the coax for the DVR/STB units (if you have TV service) and/or the telephone wire for phones (if you have VOIP service).

4. You can get a Sentry Fire safe and do the same thing. The Sentry Fire safes are only a sheet metal box that has 2" of fiberglass insulation inside and then a plastic box inside that. It can be drilled through to make a hole for the wires. Just make sure to get one big enough to hold both the 2Wire and the Cisco.

5. This may work for you, maybe not. http://www.att.net/smartcontrols-InternetParentalControls#none These are the AT&T parental control features that support enforcing the provisions at the provider level rather than in your home. The disadvantage is that the software must be installed on each computer you own and works only for those computers. It won't help with wireless smartphones or borrowed/other computers/laptops.

Some notes on the two box solutions:

A. Heat. The 2Wire unit puts out a fair amount of heat. You might have to see about a fan to ventilate the box to prevent it from overheating. This isn't so bad to do if you build your own box, but might not work well with the Sentry Fire safe.

B. Wireless signal strength. Any box may weaken the wireless signal. If this happens, purchase a wireless access point and put it outside the box, and uplink it to the Cisco so that it's subject to parental controls. Turn the wireless of the Cisco router off if you use this method.

This is all I can think of that enforces your parental controls with U-Verse. A final possibility is:

6. Look for another Internet provider where the parental controls can be enforced at the provider's end. There are some local smaller cable and DSL companies that provide this service, but it's totally dependent on what's available in your area.

AT&T should be ashamed of themselves. I have the same issue, went through the same steps with the same result - after 45 minutes and being passed from one agent to the next; Tech Support was clueless. The finally passed me to AT&T Connect who offered to help me after I pay a one time charge of $49, or sign up for a monthly $15 for ongoing support. Afterwhich I thanked the Rep who I knew would be clueless as well after a few minutes of discussing my issue with her, and hung up. So, as you, I now must reach out the "community" (i.e. AT&T Customers, who are left fending for themselves since. BTW, you have to have the patienc e of a saint to weed through all of AT&Ts FAQ "bloatwear" on the subject. I tried, and ended up with nothing to show for my efforts. A total waste of time.

Re: UVERSE PARENTAL CONTROLS

I am not that internet savy, but I realize that the uverse router is not allowing me to setup parental controls.

I would like to find out the easiest way to do it.

Do you think AT&T will give me a different router for uverse?

Or should I buy one from frys electronics and connect it to the current uverse router?

I am afraid of messing up the whole thing and not having internet access at all.

PLEASE HELLLLLLP!

The U-verse RG firmware does not have parental controls built in to it. If you wish to have parental controls on your Internet access, then you'll need to either (1) install software on each PC, or (2) acquire your own router that has the parental controls you seek and install it behind the RG using the instructions from post 2 in this thread.

*The views and opinions expressed on this forum are purely my own. Any product claim, statistic, quote, or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer, provider, or party.

Re: UVERSE PARENTAL CONTROLS

I'm cancelling my uverse. Parental controls are not just for teens who may have a moment of weakness, but for small kids who can inadvertently get on stuff you don't want them to. This is insane. Leaving the internet open is like leaving the gun cabinet open ( I don't have a gun cabinet). By the time you find out it didn't work, it's invaded you home. Insane. Cancel. There are other providers, and you'll be happier in the long run.

Re: UVERSE PARENTAL CONTROLS

AT&T actually provides Internet Parental Security software, but it only runs on PCs. Installing your own router is an easy thing to do and gives you whatever control you're willing to purchase in a router.

Cancel your U-verse if you want, but before you sign up for your next provider, I'd suggest you ask them about their Parental Controls for their Internet service.

*The views and opinions expressed on this forum are purely my own. Any product claim, statistic, quote, or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer, provider, or party.

Re: UVERSE PARENTAL CONTROLS

Ridiculous Uverse does not have parental controls. I specifically asked AT&T this question before I switched to uverse for internet and was told yes they do have parental controls. Then I discover after service install that the AT&T parental control software is not even available anymore to download. Extremely disappointed AT&T!!!! Guess I will try to figure out the router behind router set up. This sucks.

Re: UVERSE PARENTAL CONTROLS

*The views and opinions expressed on this forum are purely my own. Any product claim, statistic, quote, or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer, provider, or party.